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Press photo by mark kerlinJessica O’Donnell from the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce speaks at the Hellertown Council meeting. O’Donnell also used the opportunity to promote and announce a new event that will bring in more people to the borough.

HELLERTOWN: Expanded, new seasonal events set

At the council meeting Dec. 4, the borough highlighted the success of the recent Hellertown Light Up Night. On hand was Jessica O’Donnell from the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. According to O’Donnell, with this year’s expansion of the event from one to three hours, an estimated 1,200 people were in attendance. Individuals came from across the Lehigh Valley and beyond, including Phillipsburg, Easton and Carbon County. The success of the event promoted increased foot traffic to the downtown area.

O’Donnell also used the opportunity to promote and announce a new event that will bring in more people to the borough. On Jan. 14 through 20, Hellertown will hold its first ever restaurant week. Thus far, they’ve confirmed 11 restaurants that will participate.

The first is a 200k+ grant from the Northampton County Gaming and Economic Redevelopment Authority. The money will be used for wages and benefits for two full time police officers.

The second is a $21,000 grant from the Northampton County Open Space Initiative. The money will be used toward signage on Main Street that will direct people from Main Street to the Rail Trail and from the Rail Trail to local businesses. According to Hartranft, it will be a “nice addition to the Main Street landscape.”

Also announced was an open house for all businesses that may be affected by the Water Street “Share the Road” project. The date for the open house was Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. The project is to upgrade existing paths designed to make it easier for bicyclists and pedestrians to travel from Main Street to Water Street Park and the Saucon Rail Trail. This will include improvements to signs, sidewalks, crosswalks, curbs and additional pavement markings. The open house will provided further details, along with an opportunity for businesses to ask questions about how they will be impacted during the construction. Hartranft did stress that during the construction phase, Water Street will remain open. Future meetings and discussions will be held for emergency medical services and the school district. No dates have been announced at this time.